Lidding machine



Dec. 27, 1938.

H. PAXTON LIDDING MACHINE Original Filed July 51, 195; 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 I MGR Hale Pcvc Zozz;

Dec. 27, 1938.

H. PAXTON 2,141,549

' LIDDING MACHINE Original Filed July 31, I931 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 27, 1938. H. P AXTON 2,141,549

LIDDING MACHINE Original Filed July 31, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 JNVENZ'QRI Hale Paxton,-

ATTORNEY Dec. 27, 1938. I I H PAXToN i LIDDING' MACHINE Original Filed July 31, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Hale Paztbzz;

H PAXTON LIDDING MACHINE Dec. 27, 1938.

Original Filed July 31, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 27, 193

Original Filed July 31, 1931 H PAXTON LIDDING MACHINE 6 Sho ota-Sheet s .ZN'VENZZUR Hale Patton;

ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 27, 1938 UNITED STATES LIDDDTG MACHINE Hale Barton,

Redlands, CaliL, assignor, by memo assignments, to Food Machinery Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application July 31, 1931, Serial No. 554,212 Renewed January 3, 1938 16 Claims.

My invention relates to the art of securing covers to shipping cases and more particularly to a lidding machine for applying and securing covers to shipping cases when the latter are packed with a crown pack.

In many industries, and particularly in the preparation for shipment of farm products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, it is customary to use the crown pack in which the contents of each shipping case extend above the top of the case. In the application of a lid to the case thus packed there is always some difficulty in tucking in the contents of the case between the lid and the box so that application of the lid will not damage the contents.

It is correspondingly an object of my invention to provide a lidding machine for securing the covers to shipping cases packed with a crown pack in which an improved means is provided for tucking in the contents between the lid'and the case.

In the lidding of cases packed with lettuce there is a particularly difficult problem involved because of the large amount of the pack which is generally allowed to extend above the top of the case.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a lidding machine which is suitable for the lidding of cases packed with lettuce and which is adapted to tuck an excessive bulk of lettuce in between the lid and the case during the application of the lid thereto.

In packing lettuce for shipment the case is usually lined with oiled paper which is folded over the top of the lettuce before the case is lidded. In lidding the case this paper is usually wrinkled so as to give the lidded case an untidy appearance. As the appearance of the pack is a considerable factor in the sale of the product when it arrives at the markets the wrinkled paper is quite a detriment.

It is-yet another object of my invention to provide a lidding machine which is suitable for lidding cases packed with paper liners so that said liners present a smooth appearance when the case is lidded.

In lidding a case with a crown pack the lid is bowed upwardly and remains in this conformation after the ends of the lid are secured to the box. It is of considerable importance to the appearance of the packs that the degree of curvature of the lids in the various cases in a given shipment shall be uniform.

It is yet a further object of my invention to provide a lidding machine suitable for lidding a case having a crown pack so that the cu vature of the lid after applied to these is substantially uniform.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide such a lidding machine as lastv mentioned hereinabove, in which the degree of curvature given the lids when these are applied to the box may be selectively predetermined.

In the packing of many fresh fruits and vegetables half cases and quarter cases are sometimes fed to the lidder in the same lot with full cases.

It is an object of my invention to provide a lidding machine having tuckers adapted for tucking in the upper layer of a relatively high crown pack between the shipping case and the lid as this is applied to the case, in which the machine may be quickly adjusted for the lidding of cases of different height so that the tuckers will properly perform their function.

The manner of accomplishing the foregoing objects, as well as further objects and advantages, will be made manifest in the following description together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of my invention showing the parts thereof at the beginning of a cycle of operation of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a diiferent stage of the operation of my invention.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of a portion of Fig. 3, illustrating yet another stage in the operation of the invention.

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are diagrammatic views illustrating the operation of the end tuckers of my invention.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic sectionalview taken on the line 99 of Fig. 8 and excluding all except the operating mechanism for the end tuckers.

Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view taken on the line l0lll of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken as on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8 and excluding all but the mechanism for operating the side tuckers.

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view taken on the line I2l2 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 13 is a rear elevational view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic fragmentary cross sectional view taken on the line l4- ll of Fig. 3 illustrating the operation of side tuckers of my invention.

. Figs. 15 and 16 are views similar to Fig. 14 illustratlng different stages in the operation of the side tuckers.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a modified form of my invention adapted for use in lidding cases crown packed with citrus fruits and the like.

Figs. 18. 19 and 20 are fragmentary cross sectional views taken on the line I8I8 of Fig. 17 and diagrammatically illustrating the operation of the modified form of my invention shown in Fig. 17.

Referring specifically to the drawings and particularly to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the embodiment of my invention illustrated therein comprises a lidding machine 25 which includes a main frame 26 on which is provided a shipping case elevator 21 and a tucking and lidding mechanism 28. The frame 26 includes a base 34 having channel standards 35 which are connected at their upper ends by a cross bar 36.

The shipping case elevator 27 This elevator may be of any desired type suitable for a lidding machine but is preferably of the type shown in my copending application for patent, Ser. No. 501,285, filed Dec. 10, 1930, now Letters Patent No. 2,114,724. This elevator includes a hydraulic lifting mechanism 40 having a piston 4I upon which is mounted a box receiving table 42. The table 42 is provided with rollers 43 for receiving a shipping case from a suitable horizontal conveyer (not shown) disposed in alignment therewith. This table also has stops 44 for automatically positioning a case 45 when this is rolled onto the table 42 for lidding by the tucking and lidding mechanism 28. The table 42 has a back 41 upon which is mounted a bracket 48 having a pair of fingers 49, the purpose of which will be made evident hereinafter. In order for a case 45 to be properly positioned on the table 42 by the stops 44 it is pushed rearward on the table 42 against the table back 47.

Suitable control mechanism (not shown) is provided for controlling the elevator 21 in'a suitable manner to carry out the functions of the lidding machine 25.

The tucking and lz'dding mechanism 28 This mechanism is mounted on a pair of brackets 60 which are preferably welded to the frame standards 35 and extend forwardly therefrom. Secured to the inner face of each of the brackets 60 by bolts 6| is a series of nail chucks 62.

Each of these nail chucks 62 has a hammer 63 these all being connected to an actuating frame disposed overhead and slidable vertically on the frame 26 in order to accomplish the nailing of a lid to a shipping case. Disposed between the nailing chucks 62 is an adjustable crown sheet 68 which includes a pair of plates 69 and 10 to the outer edges of which are hinged a plurality of brackets I2 which are secured by bolts I3 to the frame brackets 60 as clearly shown in Fig. 12. The plate I0 has a lip l5 which laps over the inner edge of the plate 69 and each of these plates has a pair of bosses I6 between which coil springs I8 are compressed. Extending lengthwise of the crown sheet 68 and with their opposite ends secured to opposite pairs of the bolts 13 are crown sheet compressing beams 80.

Threadedly received through vertical apertures in the beams are a pair of adjusting screws 8| having lock nuts 62, these screws bearing against the lip I5 so that the curvature of the crown sheet 68 may be selectively predetermined by adjusting the screws 8| to adjust the crown sheet to accommodate lids of varying lengths. The rearmost of the beams 80 (Fig. 8) are provided with upwardly extending lugs for a purpose which will be made manifest hereinafter. Extending between the brackets 60 (Figs. 8, 9, and 11) and secured to these "brackets by cap screws 88 are shafts 90 and 9|. The outer ends of these shafts are provided with collars 92 which are secured by set screws 93 to these shafts, each of these collars having a downwardly extending arm 94. The pair of arms 94 on each side of the machine 25 support one of a pair of end tuckers 96, each of these end tuckers having a shaft 9'! (Figs. 9 and 10) which is pivotally mounted in the arms 94 supporting the tucker. The pair of arms 94 of each tucker 96 are connected together by a long bolt 98.

Each shaft 91 is provided at its rear end with an arm I00 as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Rigidly secured to each shaft 91 between the arms 94 in which it is journalled is a pair of tucker arms IOI which are connected by a lid compressing plate I02. Pivotally mounted between lower ends of the arms IOI in each of the end tuckers 96 is a cylindrical sector rotor I 05, each of these rotors having a cylindrical surface I06, and being yieldably held in a given position relative to the arms IOI by springs I91 connected between a bracket I09 and a rod IIO (Figs. 2, 5, 6, and '7), this rod extending between and tying together the arms I0i. Each of the rotors I05 is normally disposed as shown in Figs. 9 and 10 and is adapted to be rocked upwardly by contact of a substantially semi-cylindrical bead I I2 disposed along the lower edge of the surface I06 with the end of ashipping case being lidded.

Swingably mounted on the shafts 90 and 9I is a pair of side tuckers H5 and II6 as shown in Fig. 11. These tuckers include mounting plates I20 (Figs. 1 and 3) having bearings I2I which receive the shafts 90 and 9I and are positioned on these shafts by collars I22. Each of the tuckers II5 has a tucking plate I23 a lower edge portion I 24 of which is relatively thin. Lower edges of the tuckers II 5 and H6 are preferably shaped as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Provided on tucking plates I23 on each of the side tuckers are lugs I26, the purpose of which will be made evident hereinafter.

Pivotally supported between opposite end portions of the brackets 60 (Fig. 9) is a tucker control shaft I30. The shafts 9I and I30 extend through side plates I3I of a cam frame I32, the plates I3I being rigidly spaced apart by bolts and spacer members I33 and I 34. Provided on the spacer I34 is a roller I35 for a purpose which will become evident hereinafter. Secured to lower faces of the plates I3I is a guide plate I36, the forward end of which is provided with a square notch I31. Rigidly secured to the shaft I30 and disposed just within the plates I3I are a pair of arms I40 between the outer ends of which is pivotally mounted a roller I4I.

Rigidly secured to the shaft I30 near the ends thereof as by set screws I45 are hubs I46 of a pair of arms #47. The ends of the arms I41 are connected by links I48 to the ends of the adjacent arms I00 of the end tuckers 96 as clearly shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Secured at its opposite ends to the frame cross bar 36 by two set screws I45 are tension springs I 59 for the purpose of constantly urging the shaft I 30 to rotate so as to swing the end tuckers 96 into their normal inoperative position shown in Figs. 1, 9, and 12. When the tuckers 36 are thus positioned bythe springs I63 the arms I43 extend upwardly and forwardly as shown in Fig. 9 so that the roller I is disposed over the notch I31 in the slide plate I36.

Disposed about the shaft I33 between the plates I3I and the arm hubs I46 are a pair of sleeves I64 from the inner end of each of which extends an arm I66. these arms being connected by a shaft I66 having mounted thereon a roller I61. The arms I66 are longer than the arms I43 which are secured upon the shaft I63 Just within the plates I3I and the normal position of the arms I66 is extending upwardly'and inwardly as shown in Fig. 11. I

Provided on outer ends of each of the sleeves I64 is a double ended arm I63. upper ends of which are connected by links I6I'with the lugs I26 provided on the front side tucker I I6. Lower ends of the arms I63 are connected to the lugs I26'of the rear side tucker II6 as by links I62. The upper portion of each of the' links I63 (Fig. 8) is provided with a suitable aperture into which extends a bent end I63 of one of a pair of tension rods I64 each of which extends throughone of the lugs 85. The rods I64 are provided with springs I1Iland collars I.1I on their front ends so as to exert a continual tension on the arms I63, tending to rotate these arms and the various par ts associated therewith into the position in which they are shown in Fig. 11.

Provided on the frame 26 is a fixed collar I12 as shown in Figs- 2 and 13. Slidable vertically in the collar I 12 is a push rod I13 having a square cam I14 on its upper end which extends upwardly through the notch I31 in the guide plate I36 so that when the rod I13 is at its lowermost position the uppermost end of the cam I14 contacts the roller I36 and is disposed just beneath the roller Hi and out of contact therewith (Fig. 2).

Provided on the rod I13 is a set collar I16 to which is connected a spring I16 which is stretched downwardly and connected to the'frame' 26. Collar H5 is adapted to be fixed in any desired position on the rod I13 by set screws I16a provided on said collar. Another collar I11 is also provided on the'rod I13, there being a compression spring I18 disposed between the collar I11 and the collar I12. It is to be noted that the cam I14 is prevented from rotating by its being positioned in the square notch I31 of the guide plate I36 and is normally held in its lower posi-- tion by the spring I16. Itis also to be noted in Fig. 13 that the collar I16 is in the path of the finger 49 so that at a certain. point in the elevation of the elevator 21 the fingers 43 will engage the collar I16'and lift the push rod I13 and cam I 14 upward with the elevator. 21.

Operation The operation of my invention is as follows; ,The machine 26, while adapted to lid shipping cases handling various produce, has been shown in the drawings as-lidding a caselined with oiled paper and crown packed with fresh lettuce, the

lettuce having inter-layers of ice to preserve it during shipment. Thepaper lining includes side I liners I36 and end liners I36 which are laidover the sides and ends of the case before it is filled with lettuce, and afterwards folded over the top of the crown I31 of the lettuce pack.

lidding operation a lid At the beginning of the the end tuckers 36 I36 is fed upwardly between the lid to the box.

so that the cleated ends of the lid come to rest between the curved surfaces I36 of the tuckin rotors I36 and the lid compressing plates I32 as shown in Fig. 12. With the lid in this position a case 46 is now rolled onto the table 42 over the rollers 43 until positioned by th'estops 44 and pushed rearwardly against the table back 41. The elevator mechanism 43 is now operated so as to cause the elevator to lift the shipping case 46 upwardly toward the tucking and lidding mechanism 26.

As theelevator 21 thus rises; the fingers 43 come in contact with the collar I16 of the push rod I13 and lift this rod so that just as the crown I31 of the lettuce packed in the case 46 comes opposite the end tuckers 36 the roller I (Fig. 14) and swings the arms I43 to impart a partial rotation to the shaft I33. As before described, this swings the arms I41, which. through the links I43, swings the end tuckers 36 inwardly into the positions in which they are crown I61 in over the ends of the case 46. This the cam I14 engages inward swinging movement of the tuckers 66.

swings the lid pressure plates I32 from the position in which they are shown in Fig. 5 to the position in which they are shown in Fig. 6 so as to bow the lid I63 upwardly almost enough to cause this lid to conform closely to the crown sheet 66.

The beads II 2 of the end tucker rotors I36 come into contact'with the ends of the case 46 shortly afterthese tuckers are swung inwardly, and rotation of the rotors I36 about their axes commences as shown in Fig. 6. As the case 46 continues upwards, the rotors I36 are eventually swung entirely out from over the ends of the case 46 as shown in Fig. '1 and the ends of the case come against the lid ends so as to force these upwardly against lower faces of the nail chucks 62.

Referring now to Figs. 14 to 16 inclusive, it is noted in Fig. 14 that the side tuckers I I6 and H6 remain swung outwardly after the end tuckers have been actuated by engagement of the shaft I13 with the roller I on the arms I43. Following a very short interval, after the operation of the end tuckers'36. the cam I14 engages the roller I61 and swings the sleeves I64 to rock the lever arms I63 so as toswing the tuckers H6 and I I6 very rapidly inward. This movement takes place at the instant illustrated in Fig. 14 where it is seen that portions of the crown I81 which extend a considerable distance over the sides of the case 46, are engaged by the tuckers H6 and H6 when the latter are actuated. Fig. 15 shows the result of this engagement with the lower tucker portions I24 disposed inwardly over the space inside the case 46, the oiled paper I36 being pressed in to conform to the side tuckers. Further movement upward of the case 46 is requisite to bring the case ends snugly against the ends of the lid, and this further movement forces the case up over the lower side tucker portions I24 as is now completed in readiness for the nailing of The latter function is performed by operation of a suitable power mechanism such as shown in cop d s applicatiom'Ser. No. 587,388, filed January 18, '1932, now Letters Patent No.

,-2,084,04' I, and whichv itis not thought necessary to duplicate in the drawings of this case. This power mechanism, when actuated simultaneously drives the hammers 83 on both sides of the machine 25 downwardly so that a nail is driven from each of the chucks 62 through the ends of the lid I88 into the ends of the case 45. Any desired automatic means may be provided for controlling the elevating. mechanism 40 such as that shown in my U. S. Letters Patent above referred to, by which the elevator 21 will be lowered and the lidded case 45 expelled therefrom in the opposite direction from that from which it was received.

When the elevator 21 thus discharges the lidded case 45 the end and side tuckers of course resume their original positions. As the side tuckers are withdrawn from the side of the case from the position in which they are shown in Fig. 16 the side papers I expand outwardly into contact with the side of the case so as to present a very smooth and neat appearance. The end papers I88 are slightly pinched as shown in Fig. 7 when the lid I80 is nailed into place on the ends of the case. The rotors I05 of the end tuckers 96, however, extend a sufficient distance between the box ends and the ends of the lid I80 as to effectively prevent mashing of end portions of the crown of lettuce I81.

In Figs. 9 and 11, I have shown the upper end of the cam I14 as being normally located on the same level as the axis of shaft I30. From these views it is also clear that when the tuckers are in their normal inactive positions the cam rollers MI and I51 are disposed fixed distances, respectively, above the upper end of cam I14. It is also clear from Figs. 14, 15 and 16, that cam I14 actuates the rollers MI and I51 by rising vertically certain fixed distances above its normal position.

As the cam I14 is lifted upward with the elevator 21 after the fingers 49 engage the collar I15, there is no relative vertical movement between the table 42, the case 45 thereon, the fingers 49, the collar I15, and the cam I14, during the balance of the elevation of the table in the lidding of that case. For convenience the last mentioned period shall hereinafter be referred to as the cam lifting period.

Figs. 14, 15 and 16 all illustrate different positions of the case 45 and cam I14 during the cam lifting period. It is to be noted however that no relative vertical movement has taken place between the cam I14 and the case I45 in these three views. In each of them the upper end of the cam I14 is seen to be a distance D above the upper edge of the side of the case.

It will also be seen from Fig. 15 that distance D is simply that distance which the upper edges of the case side walls must be below the top end of cam I14 in order for side tucker blades I24 to clear the side walls of the case and thus operate properly when said blades are swung inward by the top of cam I14 engaging the roller I 51.

The only requisite for proper operation of the machine 25 on a case 45 of any particular height, therefore, is to so fix the set collar I15 on the shaft I13 that the fingers 49 will first engage the collar I15 when the upper edges of the sides of the case are distance D below the top of cam I14. This is necessary because after fingers 49 contact collar I15 there is no change in vertical relation possible between cam I14 and case 45 and because, in order for the tuckers to operate properly when they are swung in as shown in Fig. 15, the upper edges of the side walls of the case 45 must be distance D below the top of cam I14.

It being a stated object of the invention to provide a lidding machine which may be quickly adjusted for the lidding of cases of different height so that the tuckcrs will properly perform their function, it is now desired to observe how this may be accomplished with the machine 25.

To adjust the machine 25 to operate properly on a case of a different height than case 45 shown in the drawings, all that need be done is to place that case in the machine and go through identically the same steps by which the adjustment was effected for case 45.

In Figs. 17 to 20 I have shown a modified form of lidding machine 200 the construction and operation of which is identical with the machine 25 with the exception that on the shafts and SI I have substituted for each of the side tuckers I I5 and H6 one of a pair of modified side tuckers 202. Each side tucker 202 has mounting arms 204 having pins 205 to which the links I6I and I62 are connected. The arms 204 of each tucker 202 also have slots 2I0 through which cap screws 2 extend. these being threadediy received in a telescopic tucker plate 2I2. The plate 2I2 preterably has a cross section as shown in Fig. 18 which provides an inner tucking face 2I3, a side contacting shoulder 2I4 and a guide prong 2I5. Each plate 2I2 also has a pair of lugs 2I6. When the plate 2I2 is assembled on the mounting arms 204 as shown in Fig. 17, spring stems 2H3, fixed on collars 2I9 rotatably provided on the shafts 90 and SI, extend through these lugs. Surrounding the stems 2I8 between the collars 2I9 and lugs 2"; are compression springs 220 which yieldably urge the tucker plates 2I2 into downwardmost position.

The lidding machine 200 is designed for the purpose of handling cases packed with fruits which are more susceptible to injury than lettuce and the like, as, for instance, oranges and othei citrus fruits. In Figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20 the machine 200 is shown in several different stages of the lidding of a case 225 of oranges 230. The oranges are shown as when they are packed in a crown pack, the individual oranges being wrapped in tissue paper. As the case 225 of oranges arises to the point where the end tuckers are actuated, these move inwardly,' tucking the fruit at the end of the case inward between the case 225 and a lid 235, previously fed to the machine 200 for applying to said case. After the end tuckers have operated, the side tuckers 202 swing into position as shown in Fig. 19 so that the shoulders 2I4 come to rest on the upper edges of the sidesof the case 225. This tucks the oranges in between the lid 235 and the sides of the case so that this fruit may not be cut as the lidding function is completed.

During the completion of movement of the case upward to grip the lid ends snugly between the box ends and the nail chucks, the springs 220 are compressed as shown in Fig. 20 by upward movement of the tucker plates 2 i2 with the case 22 5.

In view of the limited construction sometimes placed upon the word tucker, I shall in those claims where broader terminology is warranted define the tucking devices of my invention by the terms gathering members or gathering means.

It is thus seen that I have provided a lidding machine which is adapted for lidding shipping cases crown packed with fruits and vegetables of various kinds and which has many advantages over previous machines devised in this art.

What I claim isi 1. In a lidding machine, the combination of a shipping case elevator; means disposed thereover for applying a lid to said case and securing the lid thereto; end gathering means provided on said lid applying means; side gathering means provided on said applying means; and means for shifting said end and side gathering means inwardly during the elevation of a packed case by said elevator to gather the contents of said case inwardly between said lid and said case.

2. A combination as in claim 1 in which said end gathering means are mechanically operated previously to said side gathering means.

3. In a lidding machine, the combination of means for pressing a lid on a box and securing it thereto; and tucking means having a portion adapted to extend inwardly and downwardly below an upper edge of said box for tucking the contents of said box, which extend above the upper end thereof, inwardly and downwardly below an upper edge of said box.

4. In a lidding machine for applying lids to shipping cases containing a crown pack placed Within a paper liner, the combination of: means for applying a lid to a shipping case so packed and securing it thereto; tucking means having a portion adapted to extend downwardly between said case and the contents thereof; and means for shifting said tucking means inwardly to tuck overhanging produce over said case and bringing said box and said tucking means together to tuck said liner downwardly between said case and the contents disposed therein.

5. In a lidding machine, the combination of: a crown plate; automatic n ing means at opposite ends of said crown fiia efi'n'ans for lifting a crown packed case to force a lid against said crown plate with the ends of said lid disposed between said automatic nailing means and the ends of said case; and means for automatically tucking the contents of said case inwardly so as to substantially prevent these being damaged in the application of said lid to said case.

6. In a lidding machine, the combination of means for supporting a crown packed shipping case; means for supporting a lid in a suitable manner for application to said case; power means for bringing said aforementioned means together to cause said lid to be applied to said case in a proper position for securing it thereto; means for gathering the contents of said case inwardly between said lid and said case, said means being suspended substantially out of the path of edge portions of said crown pack which extend over edges of said case; and means for shifting said gathering means inwardly to gather said portions between said case and said lid, said shifting means being associated with said power means as to defer movement of said gathering means until a superimposed portion of said crown pack comes opposite said gathering means.

'7. In a lidding machine, the combination of: a crown plate; power means for applying pressure against the ends of a lid to cause the latter to substantially conform to said crown plate; and means for bringing said crown plate and a packed case toward each other to apply said shaped lid to said case.

8. In a lidding machine, the combination of: a crown plate; power means for applying pressure against the ends of'a lid to cause the latter to substantially conform to said crown plate; means for bringing said crown plate and a packed case toward each other to apply said shaped lid to said case; and automatic means for nailing said lid to said case.

9. In a lidding machine, the combination of:

means for supporting a crown packed case; means i vertical movement between the aforesaid means to apply said lid to said case; a gathering member horizontally pivoted on said lid supporting means on an axis which is disposed above said case when said lid is applied thereto; and power means for swinging said gathering member inward as the distance between said case and said gathering member decreases to gather a crown portion of the contents of said case inwardly between said case and said lid.

10. A combination as in claim 9 in which said gathering member is provided with a blade which, after gathering said crown portion inwardly, extends between an edge of said case and the contents thereof.

11. A combination as in claim 9 in which the contents engaging portion of said gathering member is in the form of a sector of a cylinder pivotally mounted so as to be rotated upwardly relative to said case after the gathering movement of said member.

12. In a lidding machine, the combination of: means for supporting a crown packed case; lid supporting and crown gathering means disposed thereover; means for bringing the aforesaid means toward each other to tuck a crown portion of the contents of said case between said case and said lid and apply said lid to said case; and power means to operate said lid applying and gathering means to cause said lid to assume a predetermined curvature prior to its application to said case.

13. In a lidding machine for crown packed boxes the combination of: box supporting means; cover engaging means disposed thereabove; power means for causing relative vertical movement between the aforementioned means to press a cover on a box; tucking means associated with said cover engaging means and having a substantially fixed vertical relationship therewith; and means for automatically operating said tucking means coordinately with said power means to shift said tucking means inwardly with a rapid movement which is deferred until an overflow of the contents of said box is opposite said tucking means, said inward shifting terminating with said tucking means disposed over the interior of the box so that completion of the lid pressing movement extends said tucking means into said box.

In a lidding machine, the combination of a crown plate; automatic nailing means at opposite ends of said crown plate; a table for supporting a crown packed case beneath said crown plate; means for causing relative vertical movement between said crown plate and said table to force a lid disposed over said case against said crown plate and compress the ends of the lid between said automatic nailing means and the ends of said case; and means for automatically gathering the contents of said case inwardly so as to means the latter passing directly over and close to said upper edge and thereby gathering overflow inwardly from over said upper edge; and means for timing the operation 01' said mechanism so as to cause the inward movement of said gathering means to take place in the proper timed relation with the vertical approach of said case and gathering means to cause said gathering means to properly function as aforesaid, said timing means being capable of so timing said mechanism to cause said gathering means to properly function with any of a plurality of cases varying in height.

16. In combination: lid pressing means; gathering means; a table beneath said pressing means and gathering means for supporting an overfilled packed case; means for causing relative vertical movement between said table on the one hand and said pressing means and' gathering means on the other hand, said movement causing a lid to be pressed against the contents of a said case; mechanism operable by said relative movement means to shift said gathering means rapidly inward to sweep an upper edge of said case with a lower edge of said gathering means the latter passing directly over and close to said upper edge and thereby gathering overflow inwardly over said upper edge to prevent said overflow being pinched between said lid and said case; and means adjustable prior to the beginning 01 said relative movement to predetermine at which of a plurality of heights above said table said gathering means shall be actuated by said mechanism as aforesaid.

HALE PAXTON. 

